Acne Treatment
Consultations for adult acne, teenage acne, and severe cystic acne.
Acne is one of the most common reasons people see a dermatologist, affecting both teenagers and adults. Whether you are experiencing occasional pimples or persistent cystic acne, it can often feel difficult to control without the right treatment. Understanding what causes breakouts is the first step toward clearer skin.
Book an acne consultation at Perth Cosmetic Dermatology with our dermatologists to receive a personalised treatment plan based on your skin type, acne severity and long-term goals.
What is acne?
Acne is a chronic inflammatory condition that develops when tiny openings in the skin, known as hair follicles or pores, become blocked with excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. This blockage is one of the main causes of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and inflamed acne breakouts.
Normally, oil travels through the pore to help keep the skin healthy and protected. However, when this process is disrupted, the pore becomes clogged. This creates an environment where bacteria can multiply and inflammation develops, leading to red, swollen, or painful acne lesions.
Acne can vary considerably in severity and present in different forms, including mild acne, moderate acne, and severe cystic acne. It may appear on the face, jawline, chest, shoulders, or back (often referred to as bacne).
While some people experience occasional breakouts or pimples, others experience persistent inflammation that may increase the risk of permanent acne scarring, pigmentation marks, and long-term changes to skin structure if left untreated.
What causes acne?
Acne rarely develops because of a single cause. Instead, it usually occurs when several factors work together.
• Excess Oil Production
The skin naturally produces an oil called sebum to keep it hydrated and protected. When too much sebum is produced, it mixes with dead skin cells inside the pore, increasing the likelihood of blockages
• Dead Skin Cells
Healthy skin continually sheds old skin cells. When these cells do not shed normally, they can accumulate within the hair follicle and contribute to clogged pores.
• Bacteria
A naturally occurring skin bacterium called Cutibacterium acnes lives harmlessly on everyone’s skin. When pores become blocked, the bacteria can multiply, triggering inflammation and causing acne lesions to become red, swollen and tender.
• Hormones
Hormonal fluctuations increase oil production and are one of the most common contributors to acne. This is why acne often develops during puberty but may also occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Genetics
Genetics influence both how much oil your skin produces and how strongly your body responds to inflammation.
• Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
While acne is not caused by poor hygiene, certain factors may contribute to flare-ups in susceptible individuals. These can include stress, heavy cosmetic products and some medications.
The different types of acne.
Blackheads
Blackheads develop when a clogged pore remains open. Exposure to air causes the trapped material inside the pore to darken, creating the characteristic black appearance.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads occur when the blocked pore remains closed beneath the skin’s surface, forming small white or flesh-coloured bumps.
Papules and pustules
Papules are small inflamed red bumps, while pustules contain visible pus. These are the types of lesions many people commonly refer to as “pimples.”
Nodules and cysts
These are larger, deeper inflammatory lesions that can be painful and carry a higher risk of permanent acne scarring. They often require medical treatment rather than over-the-counter skincare.
When to see a dermatologist for acne.
How to know if your acne needs professional treatment.
If you are experiencing ongoing breakouts, worsening acne, or noticing that your skin is starting to scar or leave marks, it may be time to see a dermatologist for an acne treatment plan. Come in for a consultation today.
- Acne persists despite over-the-counter treatments.
- Breakouts are becoming more frequent or severe.
- Painful pimples, deep cysts, or sore bumps under the skin.
- Acne that is leaving scars, marks, or dark/red spots.
- Your acne is affecting your quality of life.
- You continue to experience acne as an adult.
A dermatologist can determine a suitable treatment plan and recommend treatments based on your skin, lifestyle and medical history.
Acne Treatment Options
At Perth Cosmetic Dermatology, our dermatologists diagnose and treat all forms of acne, from occasional breakouts through to persistent adult acne, hormonal acne and severe cystic acne. There is no single treatment that works for everyone. The most effective approach depends on the type and severity of your acne, whether scarring is present, and your individual skin type.
Your dermatologist may recommend one treatment or a combination of therapies to help reduce active acne, minimise future breakouts and improve overall skin health.
Treatment options may include:
- Chemical skin peels
- Extractions
- Personalised skincare recommendations
- Topical or oral therpaies
Booking Your Acne Appointment
If you are experiencing persistent acne, hormonal acne or acne scarring, our specialist dermatologists at Perth Cosmetic Dermatology can assess your skin and recommend a personalised treatment plan tailored to your concerns.
WHERE TO FIND US
Hollywood Medical Centre, Suite 60/85 Monash Avenue Nedlands, Western Australia 6009
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday | 9am – 4pm
P: 08 6166 3704
E: admin@cosmeticderm.com.au
Enter through the front door and walk straight ahead to the elevators. Take the elevators up to Level 2. When you exit the elevators, turn left and follow the corridor around the corner (we are located along the corridor).